KUALA LUMPUR - More than one in 10 men in Malaysia have borrowed money to pay for dates, according to a new survey by Legasi Research.
The findings highlight the financial pressures associated with romantic relationships, particularly among men, who are more likely to bear the cost of outings.
The organisation’s Dating Expenditure Survey in Malaysia, published in collaboration with Ekonomi Rakyat, found that 13.2 per cent of male respondents had borrowed money for dating, compared with 4.9 per cent of female respondents.
The report examined dating patterns in Malaysia, including how frequently people go on dates, their preferred locations, spending habits, payment arrangements and perceptions of dating costs.
Its findings suggested that dating expenses can become a recurring financial commitment rather than a one-off cost, particularly for individuals who go out with their partners regularly.
Shopping malls, cafes and restaurants emerged as the most popular dating locations, while food and beverages accounted for the most common expenditure.
More than half of respondents, or 52.6 per cent, said they typically spent between RM51 and RM200 per date. Most respondents also reported going on dates at least once a month, indicating how these expenses can accumulate over time.
Men more likely to pay for dates
Although taking turns to pay was the most common payment arrangement overall, the survey found a substantial difference between men and women in who usually covered the cost of dating.
Nearly six in 10 male respondents, or 59.3 per cent, said they usually paid for dates themselves, compared with just 8.2 per cent of female respondents.
The findings suggest that men remain more likely to assume the financial responsibility for dating, potentially contributing to the greater financial pressure reported among male respondents.
Nearly half of all respondents considered dating expensive, with men more likely than women to experience financial pressure associated with the cost of going out.
Despite these concerns, most respondents remained willing to spend more to maintain their relationships, particularly men.
This willingness to continue spending despite financial constraints highlights the tension between maintaining a relationship and managing personal finances.
Financial pressure raises concerns
Legasi Research economic researcher Firdzan Nur Yassin said the findings demonstrated that dating involved financial responsibilities that could differ between men and women.
“The findings of this survey show that dating is not merely about spending money to spend time with a partner, but also involves financial responsibilities that may differ between men and women.
“Although most respondents spend within what they consider a reasonable amount, some still experience financial pressure and have even borrowed money for dating.
“This highlights the importance of understanding how dating expenditure aligns with individuals’ financial capabilities, particularly when there is a willingness to spend more to maintain a relationship,” he said.
The survey’s findings highlight how dating expectations and payment arrangements can influence personal finances, especially when one partner consistently covers most expenses.
While spending on shared activities can be part of maintaining a relationship, recurring costs may become burdensome when they exceed an individual’s financial capacity.
The proportion of men who reported borrowing money to go on dates also points to the potential consequences of spending beyond one’s means to meet relationship expectations.
The findings highlights the importance of balancing relationship commitments with financial affordability, particularly when dating expenses recur regularly.